Bharathapuzha River

News: Kerala Mahamagham 2026 one of the oldest and most spiritually significant religious events took place from  19 January till 3 February 2026 on the sacred banks of the Bharathapuzha River.

About Bharathapuzha River

• Origin: It rises in the Eastern slopes of the Anamalai hills of the Western Ghats and flows in the North-Westerly direction in Coimbatore district in Tamil Nadu. 
• It is also the second-longest west-flowing river that drains into the Arabian Sea in Kerala.
• It is considered the Nile of Kerala and is also known as Nila, Ponnani, and Kuttippuram.
• Course: It enters the Palghat district of Kerala through the Palghat gap in the Western Ghats and flows through the Malapuram district of Kerala.
  • It finally discharges into the Arabian Sea near Ponnani town. 
• Boundary: Its basin is bounded in the East by the Cauvery basin and in the West by the Arabian Sea.
• Total length: The total length of the river is about 209 km.
  • The upper reaches of the river are called Aliyar. 
  • When it enters Kerala, it is called Kannadipuzha till it meets the Kalpathipuzha. 
  • After confluence with the Kalpathipuzha, it is known as Bharathapuzha or Ponnani River. 
• Tributary: The Gayathripuzha, Kalpathipuzha and Pulanthode are its three important tributaries. 
• Drainage area: Its drainage area is 6,186 sq.km spread over Tamil Nadu and Kerala (71% lies in Kerala).
• Reservoirs and Dams: Malampuzha Dam, constructed across the river, is the largest reservoir in Kerala and is utilised for irrigation and hydroelectric power generation.
  • Aliyar reservoir, Tirumurthi reservoir and Malampuzha reservoir are also situated on it. 
• Hydrological Observation Stations: There are five Hydrological Observation Stations on this river – Kumbidi, Pulamanthole, Mankara, Pudur & Amabarampalayam.
• Cultural Significance: Kerala Kalamandalam, a renowned centre for Indian performing arts like Kathakali, Koodiyattam, and Ottamthullal, is located at Cheruthuruty on the banks of the Bharathapuzha River in Thrissur district.
  • Kerala Mahamagham is a major religious festival held on the banks of the Bharathapuzha River in Thirunavaya, attracting devotees from across South India.